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08 December 2012

The fundamentals of happiness

I came across a list of 29 things to remember if you are in a time of hardship in the book 'Don't Be Sad' by Aaidh ibn Abdullah al-Qarni. I liked it so I wanted to share the extract :)1. Know that if you do not live within the scope of today, your thoughts will be scattered, your affairs will become confused, and your worrying will increase:

"When you are in the morning, do not expect to see the evening, and when you
are in the evening, do not expect to see the morning."

[Hadith]

2. Forget the past and all that it contained. Being absorbed in things that
are gone is sheer lunacy.3. Do not be preoccupied with the future. Because the future is in the world
of the unseen, do not let it bother you until it comes.4. Do not be shaken by criticism; instead, be firm. And know that, in
proportion to your worth, the level of people's criticism rises.5. Faith in Allah (swt) and good deeds: these are the ingredients that make up a
good and happy life.6. Whoever desires peace, tranquillity, and comfort can find it all in the
remembrance of Allah (swt).7. You should know with certainty that everything that happens, occurs in
accordance with a divine decree.8. Do not expect gratitude from anyone.9. Train yourself to be ready and prepared for the worst eventuality.10. Perhaps what has happened is in your best interest (though you may not
comprehend how that is so).11. Everything that is decreed for the Muslim is best for him.12. Enumerate the blessings of Allah (swt) and be thankful for them.13. Remember that you are better off than many others.

14. Remember that relief can come from one
hour to the next.15. In both times of hardship and ease, one should turn to supplication and
prayer.16. Calamities should strengthen your heart and reshape your outlook in a
positive sense.17. Indeed, with each difficulty there is relief.18. Do not let trials be the cause of your destruction.19. Indeed, remember that your Lord is Oft-Forgiving.20. Do not be angry... Do not be angry... Do not be angry.21. Life is bread, water, and shade; so do not be perturbed by a lack of any
other material thing.

And in the heaven is your provision, and that which you are promised.

[Qur'an 51: 22]

22. Most evil that you think will happen never actually occurs.23. Look at those who are afflicted and be thankful.24. When Allah (swt) loves a person, He makes them endure trials.25. You should constantly repeat supplications that the Prophet (bpuh)
taught us to say during times of hardship.26. Work hard at something that is productive, and cast off idleness.27. Don't spread rumours and don't listen to them. If you hear a rumour
inadvertently, then don't believe it.28. Your malice and your striving to seek revenge are much more harmful to
your health than they are to your antagonist.29. The hardships that befall
you atone for your sins.